by admin | Jul 5, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
“Small Town Girl” revisits the small town of Rosey Corner five years after the end of “Angel Sister”. The year is 1941 and the news is full of Hitler’s war in Europe and U. S. negotiations with Japan. Although the townspeople are unsettled by the unknown future, life in Rosey Corner goes on as usual for the most part. Kate Merritt has grown into a lovely young woman who is able to wish her sister Evie happiness as she marries the man Kate has secretly loved since she was fifteen. Mike’s best man Jay Tanner decides to stay in town for awhile after the wedding when he is offered a job because he is so intrigued by whatever makes Kate different from the other women he has known. Kate’s apparent lack of interest surprises him and makes him more determined to gain her attention.
Ann Gabhart has once again penned what I would consider a classic novel. I loved the World War 2 era small town setting with its diverse mix of residents. It was fun catching up with Kate and her family as well as the others who played major roles in “Angel Sister”. As always a strong theme of faith and redemption is woven seamlessly into the story yet I never felt that the author was preaching at me. I also liked the lesson about finding out who God wants you to be rather than always trying to be who you think others want or listening to the lies of those who don’t really care.
“Small Town Girl” is a wonderful book that I would recommend to everyone who loves historical fiction with a nostalgic feel. This book can stand on its own but do yourself a favor and pick up “Angel Sister” too if you haven’t already read it. You will be so glad to know the rest of the Merritt family story.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Bestselling author Ann Gabhart weaves a timeless story of love, sacrifice and longing that will grip the heart and stir the spirit. In her gentle and textured style, Gabhart takes the reader back to a time when days moved slowly and life was simple. A world that was about to change forever.
In the autumn of 1941, rumors of war whisper through Rosey Corner. The town waits in anticipation as if holding its breath. But for Kate Merritt, it seems life is letting out a prolonged sigh. As Kate watches her sister marry the man Kate has loved since she was fifteen, her heart is silently breaking. And even the attentions of handsome best man Jay Tanner can’t draw her interest.
Then suddenly, Pearl Harbor changes everything. Kate’s friends are rushing to get married before the boys go off to war. The newspapers talk of women making airplanes and bombs. Everyone in town begins rolling bandages, planting victory gardens and collecting scrap metal. Kate finds herself drawn to Jay in surprising ways, and when he enlists she can hardly breathe worrying about him getting killed. Could she truly be in love with him? And if she is, will she ever see him again?
Fans of Angel Sister will be thrilled to see Kate Merritt all grown up. New readers will find that Gabhart tells a beautiful story that will touch their hearts and win their loyalty.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several novels, including Angel Sister, Words Spoken True, The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed and The Gifted. She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Find out more HERE.
by admin | Jul 3, 2013 | Books, Civil War, Historical
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingWidow of GettysburgRiver North; New Edition edition (April 12, 2013)byJocelyn GreenABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jocelyn Green is a child of God, wife and mom living in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She is also an award-winning journalist, author, editor and blogger. Though she has written nonfiction on a variety of topics, her name is most widely recognized for her ministry to military wives: Faith Deployed. Her passion for the military family was fueled by her own experience as a military wife, and by the dozens of interviews she has conducted with members of the military for her articles and books, Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives and its sequel, Faith Deployed…Again: More Daily Encouragement for Military Wives. She is also co-author of both Stories of Faith and Courage from the War in Iraq & Afghanistan and Stories of Faith and Courage from the Home Front (forthcoming, May 2012). Her Faith Deployed Web site and Facebook page continue to provide ongoing support, encouragement and resources for military wives worldwide.
Learn more about Jocelyn and her books on her Website .
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When a horrific battle rips through Gettysburg, the farm of Union widow Liberty Holloway is disfigured into a Confederate field hospital, bringing her face to face with unspeakable suffering–and a Rebel scout who awakens her long dormant heart.
While Liberty’s future crumbles as her home is destroyed, the past comes rushing back to Bella, a former slave and Liberty’s hired help, when she finds herself surrounded by Southern soldiers, one of whom knows the secret that would place Liberty in danger if revealed.
In the wake of shattered homes and bodies, Liberty and Bella struggle to pick up the pieces the battle has left behind. Will Liberty be defined by the tragedy in her life, or will she find a way to triumph over it?
Widow of Gettysburg is inspired by first-person accounts from women who lived in Gettysburg during the battle and its aftermath.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Widow of Gettysburg, go HERE.
by admin | Jul 2, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Although “The Quarryman’s Bride” is the second book in Tracie Peterson’s Land of Shining Water series, it can easily stand on its own. The novel opens in the tragic aftermath of a tornado that took the lives of Emmalynne’s two younger sisters. In his grief, Emmalynne’s father forces her to leave her fiance to move with her remaining family to uphold the family tradition that the youngest daughter will care for her parents in their old age. Devastated, Emmalynne chose to honor her parents much to Tavin’s displeasure.
After a period of over ten years, the Knox family returns to their former home where her father has accepted employment at the Maclachlan quarry. Emmalynne’s mother has become a invalid so Emmalynne is responsible for making sure all the work is done; however conditions in their new home are primitive compared to their city home. Emmalynne’s father is still a tyrant who demonstrates no love to his family and she has lost all hope for happiness. Even the new doctor’s obvious interest is doomed to come to nothing. Tavin’s return home brings both pain and hope to Emmalynne who realizes she has never stopped loving him. Yet nothing has changed – there is no way they can ever be together.
Filled with raw emotion and a steadfast love, “The Quarryman’s Bride” was a thoroughly satisfying book. Peterson’s characters are so well developed that they invite the reader’s involvement in their lives. A beautiful story of reconciliation and redemption, it emphasizes the importance of reliance on God rather than oneself. I especially liked the changes in Emmalynne’s father after she chose to love him despite his harsh treatment of his entire family. A poignant tale with danger, drama, action, romance, and even a hint of mystery, “The Quarryman’s Bride” is an excellent choice for historical fiction lovers.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The latest book in the Land of Shining Waters series.
Peterson Hits the Bestseller Lists Again and Again!
Emmalyne Knox and Tavin MacLachlan were destined to be together…until the tragic deaths of Emmalyne’s youngest sisters. Family tradition mandates that the youngest daughter should remain single to care for her parents in their old age, and now that daughter is Emmalyne. Her father unyielding, Emmalyne surrenders to her duty, heartbroken. Tavin leaves town, equally devastated.
Years later, Emmalyne’s family moves, and she and Tavin meet again. Their feelings for each other are as strong as ever, but their painful past and Emmalyne’s father still stand between them. Soon both families are in the midst of the growing conflict rising between the workers at the granite quarry that Tavin’s father owns and operates. When a series of near-fatal accidents occur, Tavin must figure out who is behind the attacks before someone gets killed.
Bound by obligation, yet yearning for a future together, can Emmalyne and Tavin dare to dream that God could heal a decade-long wound and change the hearts of those who would stand in the way of true love?
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tracie Peterson is the award-winning author of over eighty novels, both historical and contemporary. Her avid research resonates in her stories, as seen in her bestselling Heirs of Montana, and Alaskan Quest series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana. Visit Tracie’s Web site at www.traciepeterson.com.
Find out more about Tracie at http://www.traciepeterson.com.
Tracie is celebrating with a “True Love” $200 Anthropologie giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat Party.
One winner will receive:
- A $200 Anthropologie gift card
- The Quarryman’s Bride and The Icecutter’s Daughter by Tracie Peterson
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 8th. Winner will be announced at the “The Quarryman’s Bride” Facebook Author Chat Party on July 9th. Connect with Tracie for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Tracie will also share an exclusive look at the next book in the Land of Shining Water series and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening.
So grab your copy of The Quarryman’s Bride and join Tracie on the evening of July 9th 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. Hope to see you on the 9th!
Be sure to head to Tracie’s FB page to enter to win a Tracie Peterson library! Click the banner for details.
by admin | Jun 26, 2013 | Books, Historical, Quilts, Romance, WWII
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingPieces of the HeartAbingdon Press (June 1, 2013)byBonnie S. CalhounABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Bonnie S. Calhoun is Owner/Director of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance, owner/publisher of Christian Fiction Online Magazine, Northeast Zone Director for American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), the ACFW ‘2011 Mentor of the Year,” President of (CAN) Christian Authors Network, and Appointment Coordinator for both the Colorado Christian Writers Conference (CCWC) and the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference(GPCWC).
For the last six years she has taught workshops in Facebook, Twitter, Blogging, and creating Social Media promotions at both CCWC, and GPCWC, and in 2011 at the Montrose, Pa Christian Writers Conference. She also taught a Facebook workshop at the 2012 ACFW conference.
Bonnie and her husband live in a log cabin in upstate area of New York with a dog and cat who think she’s wait-staff.
Her sites are:
https://www.facebook.com/bonniescalhounsnarkandsuspense
https://www.facebook.com/bscalhoun
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Cordelia Grace watched Bernard Howard, the love of her young life, go off to fight for our country in WWII. And she has spent the last three years creating the Pine Cone quilt that will grace their marriage bed when he comes home. Each row of triangles signifies a layer in her life, sets of memories, hopes, dreams, and prayers for her future, enough spoken words to cover them forever. Her image of their “happy-ever-after” grows proportionally as the quilt expands.
But is the man that returns from the war, the same man that she remembered? Are the dark shades of color that she had to use for the outside edges of the beloved quilt prophetic of her life to come? Can love and faith overcome all?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Pieces of the Heart, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
As a CFBA blogger, I have had the pleasure of reading most of the Quilts of Love series. As the daughter, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter of quilters, I have enjoyed the series thus far and am quite amazed at the diversity of the books. Subject matter ranges from contemporary to historical to mystery/suspense and each novel has been unique. Yet each plot revolves around a quilt.
Bonnie Calhoun’s Pieces of the Heart features a Pine Cone quilt, a traditional quilt popular with African-American women. I loved the fact that each quilt was stitched for a specific recipient and that the stitcher prayed over each piece of fabric as she put together a “prayer covering” for her loved one.
Despite the fervent prayers of her grandmother, Cordelia Grace remains resistant to God. After all, Cordelia’s father is a pastor and her parents have displayed a mixed message about their faith most of her life. There is one person Cordelia knows she can count on other than her grandmother and that is Bernard Howard. She has loved Bernard since he rescued her from a group of bullies when she was much younger and they plan to marry as soon as she graduates high school. Alas, nothing ever stays the same. Cordelia is faced with one tragedy after another and even Bernard has deserted her to go off to war. Has God turned His back on her completely?
Bonnie has bravely included several hot topics in her novel. Racial prejudice is something Americans still deal with daily but I learned a few things about the prejudice during that era that I was not aware of, especially the poor treatment of African Americans by the military. Add to that other subjects like parental abuse and tragic deaths, and it is easy to understand why Cordelia’s faith was challenged. But one of her grandmother’s statements resonated in Cordelia’s mind over and over until Cordelia began to understand how many people are motivated by their pain.
Pieces of the Heart is a great book with many life lessons that should be taken to heart. You’ve done it again my friend!
by admin | Jun 5, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
I have been a fan of Karen Witemeyer since her very first novel and have read each and every one of them. I can’t think of anything I don’t like about them except the fact that each one comes to an end and I am forced to wait for the next one to be published. “Stealing the Preacher” lived up to my expectations and provided several enjoyable hours of reading as well as reinforcing my decision to make sure to obtain a copy of all future novels by this author.
I loved the idea of the reformed outlaw who decided to kidnap a preacher off the train for his daughter’s birthday. Silas did not realize that the primary reason she wanted another preacher for their church was to help her bring her father to salvation. Little did Silas suspect how that one decision would affect the lives of himself and his daughter.
I don’t believe that “Stealing the Preacher” was quite as humorous as some of this author’s earlier novels but it did have its moments. There was also a good balance of action, drama, danger, and romance to keep things moving along quite nicely. Crockett and Joanna complemented each other well and other characters added interest to the story, especially Silas, Jackson, and Bessie. I would mind seeing Bessie or Jackson turn up in future books with their own stories. It was also fun to read a bit about what was happening in the lives of the other Archer brothers and hope to see another Archer novel in the near future.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A cowboy who wants to be a preacher. An outlaw’s daughter who wants to change his mind.
On his way to interview for a position at a church in the Piney Woods of Texas, Crockett Archer can’t believe it when he’s forced off the train by an outlaw and presented to the man’s daughter as the preacher she requested for her birthday. He’s determined to escape–which would be much easier if he could stop thinking about Joanna Robbins and her unexpected request.
For months, Joanna had prayed for a minister. A man to breathe life back into the abandoned church at the heart of her community. A man to assist her in fulfilling a promise to her dying mother. But just when it seems her prayers have been answered, it turns out the parson is there against his will and has dreams of his own calling him elsewhere. Is there any way she can convince Crockett he ended up right where he was supposed to be?
With her signature blend of humor, history, and lively western romance, two-time RITA Award finalist and bestselling author Karen Witemeyer delivers a Texas love story sure to steal your heart.
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Two-time RITA finalist and winner of the coveted HOLT Medallion and ACFW Carol Award, CBA bestselling author Karen Witemeyer writes historical romance because she believes that the world needs more happily-ever-afters. She is an avid cross-stitcher, shower singer, and bakes a mean apple cobbler. Karen makes her home in Abilene, Texas, with her husband and three children.
Learn more about Karen and her books at www.karenwitemeyer.com.
by admin | May 28, 2013 | Books, Civil War, Historical, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingA Heartbeat AwayAbingdon Press (May 1, 2013)byS. Dionne MooreABOUT THE AUTHOR:
S. Dionne Moore started writing in 2006. Her first book, Murder on the Ol’ Bunions, was contracted for publication by Barbour Publishing in 2008. In 2009 she moved on to writing historical romances as an outlet for her passion for history. In 2010 her second cozy mystery, Polly Dent Loses Grip, was a 2010 Carol Award finalist and she was also named a Barbour Publishing 2010 Favorite New Author. In 2011 her first historical romance, Promise of Tomorrow, was nominated a 2011 Carol Award finalist.
Born and raised in Manassas, Virginia, Moore moved to Greencastle, PA in 1993, then to Mercersburg in 2009. Moore enjoys life in the historically rich Cumberland Valley where traffic jams are a thing of the past and there are only two stoplights in the whole town.
For more information, visit her Website at www.sdionnemoore.com.
Follow her on Twitter: @sdionnemoore
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/sdionnemoore
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/sdionnemoore
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When a band of runaway slaves brings Union-loyal Beth Bumgartner a wounded Confederate soldier named Joe, it is the catalyst that pushes her to defy her pacifist parents and become a nurse during the Battle of Antietam.
Her mother’s mysterious goodbye gift is filled with quilt blocks that bring comfort to Beth during the hard days and lonely nights, but as she sews each block, she realizes there is a hidden message of faith within the pattern that encourages and sustains her. Reunited with Joe, Beth learns his secret and puts the quilt’s message to its greatest test—but can betrayal be forgiven?
If you would like to read the first chapter of A Heartbeat Away, go HERE.
Watch the video:
MY REVIEW:
Having read Moore’s cozy mystery, “Murder on the Ol’ Bunions”, I was in for a surprise when I began to read A Heartbeat Away. I had expected a lively and humorous story but found myself deep in the midst of the Civil War and there was nothing funny about it. Just goes to show that this author has a multifaceted talent when it comes to writing. I don’t think we will find her stuck in a rut anytime soon.
Some readers might find A Heartbeat Away a bit slow to get into. Although the plot did seem to move very slowly through most of the book, it really set the atmosphere of how it must have been for Beth, her grandmother, and the others as they hunkered down in the cellar day after day listening to the battle going on so close at hand, knowing that more and more of the wounded and dying would be brought to them to tend. The author’s descriptions were so vivid that I could easily imagine being there but pray that I will never have to experience such horror.
A Heartbeat Away is a story of hope and healing set in the midst of one of the worst times of our history. Civil War buffs should be sure to add it to their reading list.
