by admin | Jul 23, 2013 | Biblical, Books, Historical
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingHarvest of GoldRiver North; New Edition edition (July 1, 2013)byTessa AfsharABOUT THE AUTHOR:
TESSA AFSHAR was voted “New Author of the Year” by the Family Fiction sponsored Reader’s Choice Award 2011 for her novel Pearl in the Sand. She was born in Iran, and lived there for the first fourteen years of her life. She moved to England where she survived boarding school for girls and fell in love with Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte, before moving to the United States permanently. Her conversion to Christianity in her twenties changed the course of her life forever. Tessa holds an MDiv from Yale University where she served as co-chair of the Evangelical Fellowship at the Divinity School. She has spent the last thirteen years in full-time Christian work.
Learn more about Tessa and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The scribe Sarah married Darius, and at times she feels as if she has married the Persian aristocracy, too. There is another point she did not count on in her marriage-Sarah has grown to love her husband. Sarah has wealth, property, honor, and power, but her husband’s love still seems unattainable.
Although his mother was an Israelite, Darius remains skeptical that his Jewish wife is the right choice for him, particularly when she conspires with her cousin Nehemiah to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Ordered to assist in the effort, the couple begins a journey to the homeland of his mother’s people. Will the road filled with danger, conflict, and surprising memories, help Darius to see the hand of God at work in his life-and even in his marriage?
A hidden message, treachery, opposition, and a God-given success, will lead to an unlikely bounty.
If you’d like to read the first chapter of Harvest of Gold, go HERE.
by admin | Jul 21, 2013 | Anthology, Books, Historical, Mail Order Brides, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
The subject of mail order brides has always been an interesting one to me. It is difficult for me to fathom traveling across the country to marry a man one has never met. What circumstances would induce a young woman to do such a thing? “A Bride For All Seasons” tackles that question a total of four times. What a treat it was to read each story, all of which were penned by familiar and favorite authors.
Normally, I would take my time with an anthology such as this and enjoy each tale separately at my leisure. Each novella was so entertaining and delightful that I found myself having read all of them without a break. I loved the premise of the meddling Mr. Hitchcock of the Hitching Post Mail Order Bride Catalogue who thought he could improve on the matches by editing information given by the prospective brides and grooms. The misunderstandings caused by his misinformation made for some humorous situations when the couples met. As expected in a book of this nature, each couple worked out their differences and love bloomed but what fun it was to read!
I will not go into any details about the individual novellas because I do not want to detract from other readers’ enjoyment of them. Each story can stand on its own – the only connection is that the matches were all made through The Hitching Post Catalogue. “A Bride For All Seasons” is a perfect book to take along to the beach or a cabin, or a road trip, etc. The short novellas are light and humorous yet each one contains a strong dose of faith and Christian truth. I highly recommend this book.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
It All Started with an Ad in a Mail Order Bride Catalogue…
Melvin Hitchcock of the Hitching Post Mail Order Bride Catalog isn’t dishonest—not exactly. If he tweaks his clients’ applications a bit, it’s because he’s looking out for their best interests.
This charming bouquet of novellas introduces four Hitching Post prospects in the year 1870, each one eager for second chances . . . and hungry for happiness. Year in, year out, they’ll learn that love often comes in unexpected packages.
And Then Came Spring by Margaret Brownley
Mary-Jo has been unlucky all her life. But who would guess she’d travel halfway across the country to meet her match . . . only to find him dead!
An Ever-After Summer by Debra Clopton
Ellie had no idea she’s not what Matthew ordered. And what’s wrong with being a “Bible thumper” anyway? She’s determined to show him she’s tougher than she looks—and just the girl he needs.
Autumn’s Angel by Robin Lee Hatcher
Luvena would be perfect for Clay if she didn’t come with kids. But kids are a deal breaker, especially in a rough-and-trouble mining town. The trouble is, there’s no money to send them back. . .
Winter Wedding Bells by Mary Connealy
David’s convinced he’s not long for the world. He needs someone to mother his boys when he’s gone—nothing more. Can plucky Irish Megan convince him to work at living instead of dying?
Purchase a copy HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Margaret Brownley is a NEW YORK TIMES best-selling author and has penned more than twenty-five historical and contemporary novels. @margaretbrownley
Robin Lee Hatcher is a Christy and RITA award-winning author. Her books often appear on bestseller lists. @robinleehatcher
Mary Connealy is a Carol Award winner, an a RITA, Christy and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist. @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 has her first book coming as a movie starring LeAnn Rimes. @debraclopton
A Bride for All Seasons | 12-Day Unexpected Packages Giveaway!
Enter today.
Four novellas, four brides, and four stories to fall in love with.
Enter the world of mail-order brides with four of your favorite authors: Mary Connealy, Robin Lee Hatcher, Debra Clopton, and Margaret Brownley. In A Bride for All Seasons (Thomas Nelson) each of the prospective brides is hopeful for a second chance at love—and that second chance always seems to come in an unexpected package.
The authors are celebrating with a fun 12 Days of Unexpected Packages Giveaway! Between July 12-23 visit the authors’ Facebook Page to enter to win a new giveaway each day. Winners will be announced at the Facebook Author Chat party on July 23rd! Such fun!
by admin | Jul 16, 2013 | Books, Gold Rush, Historical, Romance, San Francisco, Western
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingIn Golden Splendor• B&H Books (July 15, 2013)byMichael ReynoldsABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michael K. Reynolds is the writer and producer of Emmy and Telly Award-winning film campaigns and has more than two decades of experience in fiction, journalism, copy writing, and documentary production. He owns Global Studio, a marketing agency, and is also an active leader in church and business, speaking in both ministry and corporate settings. Michael lives with his wife and three children in Reno, Nevada.
Learn more about Michael and his books on his Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Irish immigrant Seamus Hanley is a lost soul, haunted by his past as a U.S. Army deserter and living alone in the wilderness of the Rocky Mountains in 1849. But after witnessing a deadly stage coach crash, he finds purpose in the scattered wreckage — a letter with a picture of a beautiful and captivating woman named Ashlyn living in San Francisco at the height of the Gold Rush.
Moved by her written plea for help, he abandons all and sets out on an epic journey across the wild and picturesque American frontier. While being pursued by those who want to hang him, Seamus encounters fascinating characters including a young Pauite Indian who makes the ultimate sacrifice in helping Seamus to cross the snowy Yosemite Valley.
Battered but changed for the better, Seamus reaches San Francisco on Christmas Eve as the city burns in the tragic fire of 1849. But there is little time for rest, as an even greater, more harrowing adventure involving Ashlyn is about to begin.
If you would like to read the first chapter of In Golden Splendor, go HERE
MY REVIEW:
In Golden Splendor is the second novel in Michael Reynolds’ The Heirs of Ireland series that features members of the Hanley family. Although Seamus is the primary character in this installment, other members of the family are featured to varying degrees.
It took me a few chapters to get into the story but once the groundwork was laid, I was along for the ride to the very end. The narrative contained a perfect blend of adventure, danger, suspense, romance and interesting historical facts. I love the way I learned new things while enjoying a good tale. Strong characters and a credible plot kept the story moving right along and the secrets of several characters were revealed at just the right time. Most important was the strong Christian theme that emphasized that no one is past God’s forgiveness and to just trust Him when everything seems to be impossible.
I recommend both In Golden Splendor and the first book in the series, “Flight of the Earls” and am looking forward to the final novel “Songs of the Shenandoah”, scheduled for publication in January 2013.
by admin | Jul 11, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
“Trouble In Store” is an entertaining western romance that would be a good take-along for summer vacation. The plot gets off to a bit of a slow start but picks up speed as the story progresses. The narrative is filled with adequate drama, humor, romance and even murder and mystery to hold the attention of most readers. Interesting historical details add to the authenticity of the story.
It is obvious that someone in town is up to no good and most of the suspicious action takes place in the vicinity of the mercantile run by Caleb Nelson and Melanie Ross. The problem is, there are several potential suspects – including Caleb and Melanie. With the danger increasing almost daily and the townspeople jumping to all kinds of conclusions, Caleb and Melanie might just have to settle their differences and work together if they and their business are to survive.
I’ll admit that I did not always like Melanie – especially the way she manipulated her way into the mercantile which seemed dishonest to me. I can understand that her actions were those of a desperate person who had suddenly found herself without a job or a home and had no family to turn to after the death of her cousin George. Fortunately, Melanie did prove herself to be a valuable asset both to the store and to the community and everything ended well.
All in all, I enjoyed the time I spent reading “Trouble In Store” and would recommend it to those who enjoy historical romance with an old west theme.
This book was provided for review by
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group through NetGalley.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Fired from her most recent governess position, Melanie Ross must embrace her last resort: the Arizona mercantile she inherited from her cousin. But Caleb Nelson is positive he inherited the mercantile, and he’s not about to let an obstinate woman with newfangled ideas ruin all he’s worked for. In hope of turning her interest elsewhere, he determines to get Melanie married off, and luckily, there are many single men in town quite willing to take her off his hands.
The problem is, Caleb soon realizes he doesn’t want her to marry any of them. He’s drawn to her more every day, and he has to admit some of her ideas for the store offer unexpectedly positive results.
But someone doesn’t want the mercantile to succeed, and threatening words have escalated into destruction and danger. Will Melanie and Caleb’s business–and budding romance–survive the trouble that’s about to come their way?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Native Arizonan Carol Cox has an abiding love for history, mystery, and romance. The author of more than 25 books, she believes in the power of story to convey spiritual truths. Carol lives with her husband and daughter in northern Arizona, where deer and antelope really do play–within view of the family’s front porch. Visit her website at www.authorcarolcox.com.
by admin | Jul 7, 2013 | Books, Conspiracy Theories, Historical, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
A speculative novel based on the unidentified “babushka lady” seen in the only film of the JFK assassination in 1963, Frame 232 gives the reader one more possibility of what could have happened on that fateful day, and if so, the possible ramifications if that film were to be unearthed today. In view of the many conspiracy theories that have developed over the years about the assassination, Mara’s novel is almost believable. In any case, his novel offers several interesting and exciting hours of reading to be sure.
Frame 232 obviously has a great plot since it is based on both truth and speculation about an event that changed the course of United States history. The narrative moves at a steady pace and the reader is always aware of the importance of each scene. Plenty of action keeps things moving right along and the dialogue is natural. The violence that is necessary to the plot is not overly graphic and only a couple of brief scenes even allude to anything of a sexual nature. The fictional characters are very well developed and each one plays an important role in the story. Jason Hammond is a hero to admire for his integrity, his compassion, and his bravery. Sheila Baker holds her own as the heroine who seeks Jason’s help then works determinedly by his side as they seek to solve the mystery and to elude personal danger at the same time. Lost faith in God and the path to finding it again is an integral thread throughout the book but is genuine and not overbearing.
I am so glad I had the opportunity to read Frame 232. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to the next Jason Hammond novel. I am personally hoping that Sheila will play a prominent role in it also.
This book was provided for review by The Tyndale Blog Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The time had come, she decided, to rid herself of this burden, to take the steps necessary to put the matter to rest once and for all. And the first step, she knew—against every instinct and desire—was to watch that film.
During the reading of her mother’s will, Sheila Baker discovers that she has inherited everything her parents ever possessed, including their secrets. A mysterious safe-deposit box key leads her to the answers to one of history’s greatest conspiracies: Who killed John F. Kennedy? Not only does she have the missing film, revealing her mother as the infamous babushka lady, but she has proof that there was more than one shooter.
On the run from people who would stop at nothing to keep secrets buried, Sheila turns to billionaire sleuth Jason Hammond for help. Having lost his own family in a tragic plane crash, Jason knows a thing or two about running from the past. With a target on their backs and time running out, can Jason finally uncover the truth behind the crime that shook a generation—or will he and Sheila become its final victims?
Read an excerpt from Frame 232 HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Wil Mara has been publishing books for the last 25 years. He began with nonfiction for school libraries, moved into children’s fiction by ghostwriting five of the popular ‘Boxcar Children Mysteries,’ then into adult fiction with his 2005 disaster thriller, Wave, which won the New Jersey Notable Book Award. The next disaster novel, The Gemini Virus, was released in October 2012 to rave reviews by critics and public alike. Wil also spent 20 years as an editor, working for Harcourt-Brace, Prentice Hall, and others.
For more information, visit Wil at his website.
by admin | Jul 5, 2013 | Adventure, Books, Historical, Nautical, Post Civil War, Romance
MY REVIEW:
When I open the pages of a new novel by MaryLu Tyndall there are several things I know I can count on – an exciting adventure on the sea, most likely with some mystery and suspense, a turbulent romance, and an uncompromised message of faith. I am pleased to say that I found all of that and more within “Forsaken Dreams”. Even its gorgeous cover hints at what I found inside.
A varied group of Southerners have responded to an advertisement to leave the post-Civil war south to help set up a community in Brazil. Once aboard the ship where they will live in close quarters for weeks, they quickly find that it will not be an easy journey. The ship is plagued with a number of unexpected incidents from the very beginning, some of which remain unexplainable. As the story progresses, it is evident that many of the passengers harbor secrets that could affect the others. At times their very survival is questionable.
I admired Eliza. Because of poor choices in her past, she had hoped that one major secret would not be revealed. When it came to light the reactions of many of the passengers were very negative (to say the least) but Eliza continued to treat their medical problems with love and forgiveness which eventually won most of them over. Although Colonel Blake Wallace had fallen in love with Eliza, he could not bring himself to forgive her for her past.
I loved everything about this book. Although some secrets were revealed, many more were not. Although the book ended on a positive note, a sense of brooding darkness remained. Of course that is the perfect setup for the next novel in the Escape to Paradise series, “Elusive Hope”. I for one can’t wait for its November release.
This book was provided for review by The Bookclub Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
They Left Everything behind to Build a New Southern Utopia.
Embark on a seafaring adventure in a brand-new series from bestselling author MaryLu Tyndall. After witnessing the death and destruction caused by the Civil War, Colonel Blake Wallace is eager to leave his once precious Southern homeland for the pristine shores of Brazil and the prospect of a new Utopian community. Widow Eliza Crawford seeks passage on Wallace’s ship harboring a dirty secret—and a blossoming hope for a fresh start. But will dangers from the sea and from man keep them from the peace and love they long for?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Acclaimed author, M.L. (MaryLu) Tyndall dreamed of pirates and sea-faring adventures during her childhood days on Florida’s Coast. After obtaining a degree in Math and working as software engineer for 15 years, she decided to test the waters as a writer. With now more than ten books published, she makes no excuses for the deeply spiritual themes embedded within her romantic adventures. As a follower of Christ, her stories often reflect her own journey and walk with God. Her hope is that readers will not only be entertained but will be brought closer to the Creator who loves them beyond measure. In a culture that accepts the occult, wizards, zombies, and vampires without batting an eye, MaryLu hopes to show the awesome present and powerful acts of God in a dying world. A Christy award nominee, MaryLu makes her home with her husband, six children, and four cats on the California coast, where her imagination still surges with the sea.
