by admin | Sep 17, 2012 | Books, Historical, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingUnending DevotionBethany House Publishers (September 1, 2012)byJody Hedlund
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jody has written novels for the last 20 years (with a hiatus when her children were young). After many years of writing and honing her skills, she finally garnered national attention with her double final in the Genesis Contest, a fiction-writing contest for unpublished writers through ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers).
Her first published book, The Preacher’s Bride (2010 Bethany House Publishers), became a best seller and has won multiple awards.
Her second book, The Doctor’s Lady, released in September of 2011, and her third book, Unending Devotion, is out now. She’s currently busy researching and writing another book!
Jody has been married for twenty years to her college sweetheart. Jody has five children ranging in ages from 15 to 6, with a set of twin daughters in the mix to make things more lively.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
High-Stakes Drama Meets High-Tension Romance
In 1883 Michigan, Lily Young is on a mission to save her lost sister, or die trying. Heedless of the danger, her searches of logging camps lead her to Harrison and into the sights of Connell McCormick, a man doing his best to add to the hard-earned fortunes of his lumber baron father.
Posing during the day as a photographer’s assistant, Lily can’t understand why any God-fearing citizen would allow evil to persist and why men like Connell McCormick turn a blind eye to the crime rampant in the town. But Connell is boss-man of three of his father’s lumber camps in the area, and like most of the other men, he’s interested in clearing the pine and earning a profit. He figures as long as he’s living an upright life, that’s what matters.
Lily challenges everything he thought he knew, and together they work not only to save her sister but to put an end to the corruption that’s dominated Harrison for so long.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Unending Devotion, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Loosely based on actual historical facts, “Unending Devotion” is the story of Lily Young, a young woman dedicated to finding and rescuing her younger sister from a life of prostitution. As she searches northern Michigan in the late 1800?s with her foster father Oren as his photographic assistant, Lily manages to free other girls from the same lifestyle. Unfortunately, she has yet to locate her sister. When she and Oren land in Harrison for awhile, her impetuous nature places Lily in more than one dangerous situation and stirs up unwanted trouble for herself and some of her new found friends. Although Connell McCormick is a bit wary of Lily and her unbridled enthusiasm to right wrongs, he nevertheless feels compelled to protect her.
I really liked the characters of Lily and Connell. Lily is one of those rare people who did not assume that the “soiled doves” chose their profession and deserved whatever happened to them but viewed them as victims who needed to be saved. Connell was a young man who was raised to respect and protect women and treated them accordingly. Although not in agreement with Lily at first, he gradually opened his eyes to the truth and realized that there are times that people must take a stand for what is good and true no matter the cost.
With a plot that moves at a good pace, well-developed characters, a nice mixture of drama, suspense, humor, and romance, “Unending Devotion” is laced with historical fact and Biblical principles. I thoroughly enjoyed and story and the fact that it left me with plenty to think about. I would definitely recommend this novel.
by admin | Sep 15, 2012 | Books, Historical, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
“With Every Letter” is another captivating historical WW2 novel from Sarah Sundin that opens her new Wings of the Nightingale series. A unique romance that develops through an anonymous correspondence between Mellie, a flight nurse and Tom, an army engineer. For very different reasons, both Mellie and Tom have suffered rejection by their peers for most of their lives and each also harbors unforgiveness toward a deceased parent. As they continue to exchange letters, Tom and Mellie find that they can share the secrets of their hearts that have been hidden from everyone else. In due course, as one would expect, a romance develops between them but it is not without its ups and downs.
Well developed characters, a steady plot, interesting historical background, lots of drama and a sweet romance kept me turning the pages and the story ended much too quickly. I thoroughly enjoyed “With Every Letter” and observing the changes made by both Tom and Mellie, most of which could be directly attributed to the influence of the other’s encouragement through their letters. The story is an excellent example of how we tend to believe that others see us the way we see ourselves and that the rejection we receive is usually because we set ourselves up for it. “With Every Letter” clearly illustrates how we need to see ourselves the way God sees us.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Book 1 in the Wings of the Nightingale series
Lt. Mellie Blake is looking forward to beginning her training as a flight nurse. She is not looking forward to writing a letter to a man she’s never met–even if it is anonymous and part of a morale-building program. Lt. Tom MacGilliver, an officer stationed in North Africa, welcomes the idea of an anonymous correspondence–he’s been trying to escape his infamous name for years.
As their letters crisscross the Atlantic, Tom and Mellie develop a unique friendship despite not knowing the other’s true identity. When both are transferred to Algeria, the two are poised to meet face-to-face for the first time. Will they overcome their fears and reveal who they are, or will their future be held hostage by their pasts?
Combining a flair for romance with excellent research and attention to detail, Sarah Sundin vividly brings to life the perilous challenges of WWII aviation, nursing–and true love.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sarah Sundin is the author of “A Distant Melody”, “A Memory Between Us”, and “Blue Skies Tomorrow”. In 2011, “A Memory Between Us” was a finalist in the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Awards and Sarah received the Writer of the Year Award at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. A graduate of UC San Francisco School of Pharmacy, she works on-call as a hospital pharmacist. During WWII, her grandfather served as a pharmacist’s mate (medic) in the Navy and her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children.
Learn more about Sarah and her books on her website. www.sarahsundin.com
Win a Kindle or Nook from @SarahSundin and RSVP for “With Every Letter” Facebook Party 9/27!
Celebrate with Sarah by entering to win a eReader (winner’s choice of Kindle Fire or Nook Color)!
See what folks are saying about With Every Letter!
One fortunate winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire or Nook Color (winner’s choice)
- Handmade With Every Letter First Aid Kit
- With Every Letter by Sarah Sundin
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 26th. Winner will be announced at the “With Every Letter” Author Chat Facebook Party on 9/27. Connect with Sarah, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and chat with readers just like yourself. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!
So grab your copy of With Every Letter and join Sarah on the evening of the September 27th for a chance to connect with Sarah 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 RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 27th!
by admin | Sep 14, 2012 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Loosely based on actual historical facts, “Unending Devotion” is the story of Lily Young, a young woman dedicated to finding and rescuing her younger sister from a life of prostitution. As she searches northern Michigan in the late 1800’s with her foster father Oren as his photographic assistant, Lily manages to free other girls from the same lifestyle. Unfortunately, she has yet to locate her sister. When she and Oren land in Harrison for awhile, her impetuous nature places Lily in more than one dangerous situation and stirs up unwanted trouble for herself and some of her new found friends. Although Connell McCormick is a bit wary of Lily and her unbridled enthusiasm to right wrongs, he nevertheless feels compelled to protect her.
I really liked the characters of Lily and Connell. Lily is one of those rare people who did not assume that the “soiled doves” chose their profession and deserved whatever happened to them but viewed them as victims who needed to be saved. Connell was a young man who was raised to respect and protect women and treated them accordingly. Although not in agreement with Lily at first, he gradually opened his eyes to the truth and realized that there are times that people must take a stand for what is good and true no matter the cost.
With a plot that moves at a good pace, well-developed characters, a nice mixture of drama, suspense, humor, and romance, “Unending Devotion” is laced with historical fact and Biblical principles. I thoroughly enjoyed and story and the fact that it left me with plenty to think about. I would definitely recommend this novel.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Michigan, 1883
In Her Darkest Hours, Is He the Man She Needs?
Lily Young longs to find her lost sister or will die trying. Heedless of any danger, she searches logging camps and towns, posing as a photographer’s assistant. And then she arrives in Harrison, Michigan–and the sights of Connell McCormick.
Connell is determined to increase the fortune of his lumber-baron father and figures as long as he’s living an upright life, that’s what matters. But when Lily arrives in town she upends his world, forcing him to confront the truth that dangerous men have gained too much power while good men turn a blind eye.
Vexing but persuasive, Lily soon secures Connell’s help, drawing them ever closer to each other. Will standing for what’s right cost them both everything?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of The Doctor’s Lady and The Preacher’s Bride. She won the 2011 Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, the 2011 Award of Excellence from the Colorado Romance Writers and was a finalist for Best Debut Novel in the 2011 ACFW Carol Awards. Currently she makes her home in central Michigan, with her husband and five busy children. She loves hearing from readers on Facebook and on her blog at JodyHedlund.com.
Nikon Camera Giveaway and 9/18 Facebook Party!
Enter and RSVP today. Celebrate with Jody by entering to win a Nikon Camera Prize Pack!
See what folks are saying about Unending Devotion!
One “devoted” winner will receive:
- A Nikon COOLPIX Digital Camera
- $25 Shutterfly gift certficate
- Unending Devotion by Jody Hedlund
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 17th. Winner will be announced at the “Unending Deovtion” Author Chat Facebook Party on 9/18. Connect with Jody, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and chat with readers just like yourself. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!
So grab your copy of Unending Devotion and join Jody on the evening of the September 18th for a chance to connect with Jody 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 RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 18th!
by admin | Sep 11, 2012 | Books, Historical, Post Civil War, Romance, Texas, Western
MY REVIEW:
It is a special treat for me to read a book by one of my favorite authors in a very favorite genre – western historical romance. And it is set in Texas, a place I’ve always thought I’d like to live. There’s just something about the land and people of Texas that appeals to me. As expected, “Taming the Wind” delivered a riveting story with plenty of action, drama, suspense, and romance to go around. I was at first concerned that the novel might be a little short on romance since the guys were all going off on a trail drive while the women folks stayed at home. Knowing that a trail drive took literally months away from home, I didn’t know how Tyler and Carissa would ever manage to get together. I should have known that was a needless worry – after all they are the primary characters in a romance novel. And no, that wasn’t a spoiler – if you read the back cover you know the inevitable ending. It’s just the getting to that point that is the unknown quantity.
Needless to say, I heartily endorse “Taming the Wind” as well as most any novel Tracie Peterson has ever written. I consider her one of the premier Christian historical fiction authors at this time. If you are unfamiliar with Tracie’s work, do yourself a favor and check out “Taming the Wind”. Better still, invest in the entire Land of the Lone Star series.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A young widow nursing the wounds of her past…
A cowboy with demons of his own…
Though grateful for the blessing of her daughter, Carissa Lowe has accepted that widowhood is her lot in life. Bound by fear and mistrust, she feels incapable of opening her heart again.
Tyler Atherton has never forgotten Carissa. When he discovers she’s living with her sister on a nearby ranch, his life becomes intertwined with the lovely widow’s. And Carissa’s daughter, Gloria, seems determined to wrap herself around his little finger. But while Tyler longs to provide a home and future for Carissa, he is haunted by an obligation he feels unable to fulfill.
Challenged by mounting hardships, can Carissa and Tyler preserve their fledgling love in a land as unforgiving and vibrant as the people who call it home?
See what other bloggers are saying about “Taming the Wind” HERE.
Purchase a copy of “Taming the Wind” 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 and her blog at www.writespassage.blogspot.com
Celebrate with Tracie by entering to win a Kindle Fire!
See what people are saying about Taming the Wind.
One winner will receive:
- A Brand New Kindle Fire with Wi-Fi
- The entire Land of the Lone Star series by Tracie Peterson
Hurry, the giveaway ends on 9/25/12. Just click one of the icons below to enter. The winner will be announced at Tracie’s “Taming the Wind” Author Chat Party on 9/26! Connect with Tracie, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and chat with readers just like yourself. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!
So grab your copy of Taming the Wind and join Tracie on the evening of the September 26th for a chance to connect with Tracie 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. TELL YOUR FRIENDS VIA
FACEBOOK or
TWITTER AND INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE 26TH!
by admin | Sep 7, 2012 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Laura Frantz has done it again! I have been impressed with each and every one of her previous novels. I’m not sure how she does it but each one seems to surpass the last. “Love’s Reckoning” may just possibly be my favorite to date and that’s saying something because I loved all the others.
At a time when many historical romance novels have a spunky, sassy, and/or bold heroine, Eden Lee may seem just a bit innocuous at first. Quiet and unassuming, Eden is totally overshadowed by her sister Elspeth whose bold personality, selfish and competitive nature, and total lack of virtue demands center stage. Then there is our hero Silas Ballantyne, a skilled blacksmith who is finishing his apprenticeship under the sisters’ father. It is somewhat understood that one of the sisters will marry the apprentice and Elspeth decides she wants him. However, Eden and Silas find themselves to be kindred spirits and their low key friendship develops into a stronger attachment that they must keep secret because of Elspeth’s increasing volatility.
I liked the way that the relationship between Silas and Eden developed – his attraction to her gentle and giving spirit and his desire to protect her from the pain caused by her family – and Eden’s response to the respectful and caring way that Silas treated her.
“Love’s Reckoning” is a story filled with emotion and many secrets, some of which are major surprises when revealed. There were times when I didn’t like the choices made by the characters but those poor choices added to the realism of the story. With several characters to love and several to despise, and a couple who disappoint, Frantz’s casting keeps the story compelling. The story itself left me with plenty to chew on and I would venture to describe “Love’s Reckoning” as an epic novel. This book deserves much more attention than it will probably receive and should have the potential to become a classic. I plan to recommend it to my reader friends. Everyone who enjoys historical fiction should pick up a copy.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In this sweeping family saga set in western Pennsylvania, one man’s choices in love and work, in friends and enemies, set the stage for generations to come. Love’s Reckoning is the first entry in The Ballantyne Legacy, a rich, multi-layered historical quartet from talented writer Laura Frantz, beginning in the late 1700s and following the Ballantyne family through the end of the Civil War.
On a bitter December day in 1785, Silas Ballantyne arrives at the door of master blacksmith Liege Lee in York, Pennsylvania. Just months from becoming a master blacksmith himself, Silas is determined to finish his apprenticeship and move west. But Liege soon discovers that Silas is a prodigious worker and craftsman and endeavors to keep him in Lancaster. Silas becomes interested in both of Liege’s daughters, the gentle and faith-filled Eden and the clever and high-spirited Elspeth. When he chooses one, will the other’s jealousy destroy their love?
Available September 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell,
a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Laura Frantz is a lover of history, is the author of The Frontiersman’s Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, and The Colonel’s Lady, and currently lives in the misty woods of Washington with her husband and two sons.
Praise for Love’s Reckoning:
“Stunning. Heart-wrenching. Breathless. Not since Gone with the Wind have I read an epic novel that has stolen my heart, my breath, my sleep to such a jolting degree. Love’s Reckoning marks Laura Frantz not only as a shining star in Christian fiction today but as a shooting star who soars skyward to the glittering heights of Rivers and Higgs —Julie Lessman, award-winning author of the Daughters of Boston and Winds of Change series
Praise for Laura Frantz:
“You’ll disappear into another place and time and be both encouraged and enriched for having taken the journey.”—Jane Kirkpatrick, bestselling author of All Together in One Place and A Flickering Light
“Laura Frantz portrays the wild beauty of frontier life, along with its dangers and hardships, in vivid detail.”—Ann H. Gabhart, author of The Blessed
“Frantz paints a vivid picture of the tough life out in the wild, and yet her characters demonstrate that it was possible to have a wonderful life.”—RT Book Reviews for The Colonel’s Lady
by admin | Sep 4, 2012 | Books, Historical
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingHer Good NameRiver North; New Edition edition (July 24, 2012)byRuth AxtellABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ruth knew she wanted to be a writer ever since she wrote her first story–a spy thriller–at the age of twelve. She studied comparative literature at Smith College, spending her junior year at the Sorbonne in Paris. After college, she taught English in the Canary Islands then worked in international development in Miami, Florida, before moving to the Netherlands, where for the next several years, she juggled both writing and raising her three children.
In 1994, her second manuscript was a finalist in Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart competition. In 2002, her sixth manuscript took second place in the Laurie Contest of RWA’s Smoky Mountain chapter. The final judge requested her full manuscript and this became her first published book, Winter Is Past, which was spotlighted in Christian Retailing magazine. Since then, Ruth has gone on to publish thirteen historical romances and one novella. Her books have been translated into Dutch, Italian, Polish and Afrikaans . Her second historical, Wild Rose, was chosen by Booklist as a “Top Ten Christian Fiction” selection in 2005.
Ruth lives on the coast of Maine where she enjoys gardening, walking, reading romances and gazing at the ocean plotting her next romance.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In the 1890 thriving coastal town of Holliston, Maine, the leading lumber baron’s son, Warren Brentwood, III, returns from his years away at college and traveling to take up his position as heir apparent to his father’s business empire.
Esperanza Estrada, daughter of a Portuguese immigrant fisherman and a local woman, lives on the wrong side of town, surrounded by a brood of brothers and sisters and a careworn mother. She is unable to pretend she is anything but “one of those Estradas.” When she overhears of a position to clean house at a local high school teacher’s home on Elm Street, she jumps at the opportunity–to be able to run into Warren Brentwood now and again, but also to imbibe of the culture and intellectual atmosphere of the Stocktons.
When rumors about Espy and her respected employer begin to circulate, the entire church congregation and then the community pronounce judgment on her behavior. Warren believes the lie and his loss of faith in her causes Espy to give up without a fight. She leaves her family and hometown for the nearest city with little money and no acquaintances and is forced to spend the night on the street. A man who heads a mission for the homeless finds Espy and offers her shelter. Espy finds the true love of God while working at the mission. Will she be able to forgive the townspeople and return home?
If you would like to read the first chapter excerpt of Her Good Name, go HERE.
